SAN DIEGO, Sept. 7, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the ASPCA, about 60 percent of U.S. households have a pet, but only 10-20 percent of those cats or dogs were adopted from shelters and rescues. Petco™, Unleashed by Petco and the Petco Foundation, which have worked to find homes for over 3 million pets, will host the first-ever "National Adoption Reunion" to put the spotlight on the importance of pet adoption and the urgent need for volunteers amongst animal welfare groups. The reunion consists of several events taking place the second week of October 2011 to honor anyone who has ever adopted a pet, adoption supporters, and the many noble rescue organizations, and encourages participants to share their heart-warming tales of adoption both in person and online to rally others behind the cause.
"Petco has always been a strong advocate of pet adoption and created this celebration to thank those who work so hard to save the lives of innocent animals," says Greg Seremetis, Vice President of Marketing for Petco. "We hope that by creating a national community of adoption supporters and sharing their touching personal stories, we will inspire others to consider pet adoption and volunteer, ultimately finding homes for the millions of shelter animals."
The National Adoption Reunion celebration offers numerous ways to participate, share pet adoption stories, volunteer, and most importantly, help save a life:
Guinness World Record: On October 4, 2011 Petco™ and SONY will host a kick-off event to attempt to set the Guinness World Record for "Largest Gathering of Adopted Shelter Animals" in Central Park. In addition to the record-setting attempt, there will be live entertainment, giveaways, pet treats, and in the spirit of Petco's commitment to "Think Adoption First," a local adoption partner will be in attendance to place homeless pets in loving forever homes. Petco will also present the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals with a donation of a new van to assist with local adoption efforts.
Local Celebrations: The weekend of October 8-9, 2011, 28 specially chosen Petco locations across the U.S. will host mega adoption events with numerous adoptable pets on hand. Guests are also invited to bring their own adopted pet to the celebration for a "SONY Photo Experience" in which their picture perfect love will be captured in free photos. The first 100 guests each day will also receive a one-of-a-kind "National Adoption Celebration" commemorative pet collar charm.
Stories of Love: By uploading photos and videos of adopted pets to www.petco.com/reunion, participants will inspire others to adopt as well as have a chance to have their pet featured in an upcoming Petco advertising campaign. For every person who uploads their story online, Petco will donate *$1 to pet adoption organizations across the country. Additionally, participants can win a variety of other prizes such as Sony products and Petco gift cards September 1 through October 31, 2011.
Lend a Hand: One of the most requested means of support from animal welfare groups is volunteer support. Petco has partnered with VolunteerMatch for the new Petco C.A.R.E.S. program to connect people with volunteer opportunities at more than 73,000 non-profit organizations. Search local volunteer opportunities and donate time to local pet adoption organizations by visiting the www.petco.com/reunion homepage.
Social "Pet" Working: Simply check-in via Facebook at any Petco or Unleashed by Petco location during the National Adoption Reunion October 8-9 and Petco will donate *$1 to pet adoption organizations across the country.
Open Your Heart & Home: Attend an adoption celebration at one of the 1,100 plus Petco and Unleashed by Petco stores nationwide and adopt a new member of the family.
*Total combined donations by Petco not to exceed $10,000.
Visit www.petco.com/reunion for more information.
CONTACT:
Mia West
619.501.2756
mwest@west-pr.com
About Petco™
Petco is a privately held specialty retailer that provides products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. We operate nearly 1,100 stores in 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading pet products and information destination at www.petco.com. Our nonprofit organization, The Petco Foundation, has raised more than $75 million since its inception in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support approximately 7,000 local animal welfare groups across the country to help find homes for more than 200,000 adoptable animals every year.
###
This information was brought to you by Cision http://www.cisionwire.com
http://www.cisionwire.com/west-pr/r/petco--unites-adoption-advocates-through-national-adoption-reunion-celebration,c9158932